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The Modified Purpose in Life Scale: a Cross-National Validity Study.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1983
Summary
A modified Purpose in Life Test (PIL) was validated across cultures. The shortened Seven-Item Modified PIL Scale offers a reliable measure for comparing elderly psychological well-being internationally.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Cross-cultural research
Background:
- The original 20-item Purpose in Life Test (PIL) has limited cross-cultural applicability.
- Assessing psychological well-being in diverse elderly populations requires culturally sensitive instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and validate a modified Purpose in Life Test for cross-national use.
- To develop a concise and reliable measure for assessing purpose in life among the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Selection and modification of ten items from the original PIL scale.
- Validation using item analysis on two cross-national samples of retired individuals (USA and Taiwan).
Main Results:
- The Ten-Item Modified Purpose in Life Scale demonstrated validity in both American and Taiwanese elderly samples.
- Item analysis supported further reduction to a Seven-Item Modified Purpose in Life Scale.
Conclusions:
- The Seven-Item Modified Purpose in Life Scale is a viable alternative for cross-national comparisons of psychological well-being in the elderly.
- This shortened scale enhances the feasibility of international research on purpose in life.